Recap
"My sister said it was a good time for Rei-san and Aarin-san to show their identities."
-Kairi
"Also Rei's parents don't know."
-Rima
"We have an announcement."
-Rei (Do Re Mi)
"Guys, I don't think I can do this."
-Rei
"Ari, what do you-" She stopped talking when Aarin grabbed her hand and kissed her cheek.
-Rei
"After the tour in America, I will be going back home."
-Rei
Kusukusu: Rei is going home?
Angel: Yes she is. She feels very bad for leaving all of you
Jazlynn: But she misses her mom and dad. By the time she sees her parents it will be about two years since the last time she saw them face to face.
Kusukusu: I never thought about that
Rei: I wouldn't expect you to. I'm a Mashiro which means we hide our emotions well
Chapter 19 Nadeshiko the Lonely
*Nagi's POV*
"Do you have everything Nagihiko? I won't be able to send you anything since America is across the world," mother said.
"Yes mother. I've checked three times and I have everything. You don't need to worry. I even had Baya check once," I said.
"Nadeshiko, are you packed?"
"Yes mother. I also had Baya check my bag," she said.
"I'm going to miss both of you," she said.
"Mother, we'll be alright. I have a boot on my foot now. Also you still have a week with us," I said.
"I know but I'm your mother. I'm going to worry about you even after you have children of your own," she said.
"Little Nagihikos and Rimas running around," Nade teased. I couldn't help but blush.
"Rima and I are not having kids any time soon," I said.
"Good! I would like grandchildren but you are not allowed to have a child since you are still a child yourself," mother said. I felt my face heat up a little more.
"His face is red mother," Nade said.
"I'm going over to Rima's," I said walking away.
"No babies," mother said. I hurried out there as fast as I could with my boot. I heard them laughing. I know they were just teasing but I was embarrassed. I made it to Rima's house in no time. I had more freedom to move with this boot. I didn't have to use those stupid crutches anymore. I won't need the boot after I come back from the tour. I noticed that there was another car in the driveway. I knocked on the door.
"Nagi!" Rima answered the door and hugged me.
"Hey Rima," I said as I hugged her back.
"Can you believe that the trip is almost here?" she asked.
"Someone seems excited," I said.
"I am. I've never been out of Japan. I get to explore a whole new world," she said. It was always great to see Rima be excited and smile that big.
"Rima, is that Nagihiko? Let the boy in," we heard Mrs. Mashiro say. Rima held my hand and guided me to the living room even though I already knew where it was. Rima's parents weren't alone. There was another man and woman sitting across.
"Hey Nagi," Rei said as she came down the stairs.
"Hey," I said.
"Who is this boy?" the woman I didn't know asked.
"This is Nagihiko Fujisaki, my boyfriend," Rima said. She squeezed my hard.
"Oh I see," the man said.
"Nagi, this is my mom and dad. They're getting my things so I can go straight home after the tour," Rei said. She seemed a little sad but she had a smile on. I don't know very many Mashiros but I know they are good at hiding their emotions behind a mask. I think Rei was concerned about leaving everyone.
"It's great to hear that you have a boyfriend Rima," Rei's mom said.
"Thank you auntie," Rima said.
"What happened to your leg?" Rei's dad asked.
"I was hit by a car," I said. I noticed that Rima flinched when I said that. Rei's parents must've noticed.
"You did it to protect Rima," Rei's mom said.
"Yes."
"He's a keeper Rima," her aunt teased.
"I know," Rima said. She let me sit in the last chair while her and Rei sat on the floor.
"Rima you can sit in the chair. I don't need you to-"
"Nagi, your leg isn't going to get better if you put strain on it," she interrupted. The adults began to laugh.
"What's so funny?" Rima asked.
"You two are adorable," her aunt said.
"Alright, we aren't here to laugh at Rimahiko over there. Auntie, you said you had some news," Rei said trying to lead the attention away from me.
"Yes, we know the gender of the baby," Mrs. Mashiro said. She held Mr. Mashiro's hand. All of us waited for them to continue.
"It's a baby girl," she said. All the Mashiros cheered.
"It's seems us men are outnumbered," Rei's dad said.
"It's alright brother, we have Nagihiko on our side," Rima's dad said. I looked at him confused.
"Don't give me that look. You're already considered a part of the family," he said. I looked at Rima's parents then back down at Rima who was smiling up at me.
"Thank you," I said.
*The Next Day*
*Rima's POV*
"I'm so excited. Today is the last day of school!" Rei cheered.
"I can't wait till we're in America. I can show you guys all the awesome places to go," he said.
"If everyone in America is like you then I think we'll be fine," I said.
"Actually, there are a lot of rude people, especially in big cities that we will be going to," Aarin said.
"Really?" I asked.
"Yeah," Nagi agreed.
"Great, it's already difficult with the language difference," I said.
"Rima, we learn english in school," Rei said.
"I know but I'm not very good at it," I admitted.
"It's alright Rima. I'll be your translator," Nagi said.
"Thanks," I said. We made it to the school. We only had class for half the day. The rest was an assembly about all the eighth graders graduating middle school. There a big speech about how they are on their way to high school. The only one we knew that was an eighth grader was Kukai. He was up on the stage waiting to hear his name.
"Alright, now your graduating eighth graders." Many names were called.
"This is really boring," Amu said.
"I agree," I said.
"We need to be cheering when Kukai is up there," Tadase said.
"Tadase-kun is right. If it were us then we want to be cheered for," Nade said. Nade backing Tadase up. Maybe that's something.
"Kukai Sohma." Kukai stood up and got his eighth grade diploma. Our group cheered for him. He gave us a thumbs up and then sat down. The rest of the students were called.
"Alright everyone. It's official that school is out. Have a fun and safe summer." There were a bunch of cheers from all the students. We all met up with Kukai.
"How does it feel to be a high schooler now?" Amu asked.
"I don't feel any different," he said.
"It will settle in when you actually go to high school," Tadase said.
"Yeah, also I'll get to see Utau more," he said. We heard multiple beeps. We checked our phones to see a group message from Utau.
To: Kukai, Ikuto, Amu, Rima, Yaya, Tadase, Nadeshiko, Nagihiko, Kairi, Rei, Aarin
Hey everyone, how about we all go out to eat to celebrate Kukai's graduation from middle school. We also need to discuss the plans for the tour. Let me know if you can't come.
From: Utau
"I don't see why not," Aarin said. All of us got together and walked to the restaurant that Utau suggested.
"Hey guys," Utau greeted.
"Yo," Ikuto said. He got here a lot faster than us. I forgot he can drive now. He probably drove Utau here.
"Yo ho! We're here too," Yaya said talking for her and Kairi who just walked in. She held his hand which would have been a sweet couple thing to do except she was dragging him.
"Great!" Utau said. I began to notice no one else was here.
"Are we the only ones here besides the people who work here?" Nadeshiko asked voicing my opinion.
"I rented this place out. This may be a celebration for Kukai's graduation from middle school but it's also a meeting for the trip. It's a week away and I need to make sure everyone is packed. Also if people saw Aarin and Rei hanging around me then they would but two and two together. While we're in America, it will be best to wear your disguises, especially if you are acting like a couple," Utau said.
"Gotcha," Aarin said.
"Plans can wait later. I'm starving!" Kukai said.
"Me too!" Yaya said.
"Sanjo has kindly offered to pay. Enjoy yourselves," Utau said. The charas, Kukai, and Yaya cheered.
*Time Skip*
"I'm full," Yaya whined.
"Me too!" Rhythm said.
"Me three-desu."
"You all should have better table manners," Temari scolded.
"Please don't lecture them Temari. It's ok to let go every once in a while," Kusukusu said.
"But you acted lady-like," Temari said. Kusukusu giggled.
"I have to keep my figure. It's difficult to pull of this outfit," Kusukusu teased as she posed.
"You look great," Rhythm said and winked at Kusukusu. She blushed and giggled.
"Even Rima-tan and Nagi's charas are all lovey-dovey," Yaya said.
"Their emotions are completely theirs," Nagi said.
"What are you guys talking about? Charas?" Nade asked.
"She meant to say auras. She's trying to say the atmosphere around them is what she called lovey-dovey," Kairi covered for everyone.
"Oh I understand now," Nade said. Everyone felt relieved. That was close. How could they possibly explain charas when she couldn't hear or see them? We heard a phone go off.
"Sorry it's Lulu," Nade said and took the call into the bathroom.
"I don't like her being friends with Lulu," Nagi voiced out loud.
"You're just being overprotective," I assured him.
"Rima's right. You live with your sister again so it's only natural to want to protect her," Rei said.
"Aren't you the younger one too? I'm surprised you're overprotective at all," Aarin said.
"She was born only a few minutes before me. It's a bit different since we've know each other our whole lives," Nagi said.
"Gross!" Everyone looked at the charas who started a small food fight. Temari was upset.
"YOU GOT MY KIMONO DIRTY!" Temari yelled. She spun her naginata around. All the charas flew as fast as they could.
"Chill Temari!" Rhythm yelled.
"Temari, why don't you go into the bathroom and get cleaned up. We'll clean up our mess," Angel said.
"We will?" Kiseki said. Jazlynn elbowed him
"Yes, as king I declare that we clean up," Kiseki announced.
"Go wash up. Maybe you can meet up with Nadeshiko. She doesn't know about you but at least you have company," Angel said.
"Thank you," Temari said as she calmed down. She then flew towards the bathroom as the others began to pick up.
*Temari's POV*
Calm down Temari. You got a little bit carried away. My poor kimono.
"I'm sorry Lulu but I'll be gone all summer. I know that you wanted to show me your house in France but I'm already packed and ready to go for America with my brother and his friends," Nadeshiko said.
"They are your friends too Nadeshiko even if the first image of you is Nagihiko crossdressing. We're understanding," I said. I know my words didn't get through to her.
"Of course I still have it. I wear it every day," Nade said as she pulled a necklace that was hidden in her shirt. It was a gold chain with a round, red jewel that reflected Nade's image.
"I'll see you when I get back. Bye," she said then hung up. Nadeshiko sighed and let her hair loose so it could fall freely.
"I wish I could let my hair down but everyone would mistake me for Nagihiko," she said to herself.
"Nagihiko feels really bad that he pretended to be you. He wishes he could take it back and go by a whole other name but he really wanted to dance and be a boy. He couldn't if everyone thought your mother had two daughters. Nagi is the only boy Fujisaki that got to be his gender since the whole tradition started and not be banished. You gave your brother the freedom to be himself. He didn't realize that it would backfire on you. Your brother loves you," Temari said.
"I hate living in his shadow. I wish I didn't have to be super nice all the time," Nadeshiko whispered to her reflection.
"You don't have to pretend in front of the group. Just be yourself Nadeshiko," Temari said. Nadsehiko looked surprised and looked around the bathroom.
"I swore I heard something," she said as she put he hair back up. She heard me. That means her chara his close to hatching. I must tell the others. I quickly flew out of the bathroom to everyone else.
*Rima's POV*
"Everyone!" Temari yelled.
"Temari, you're still filthy," Nagi said.
"I know but I have great news. Nadeshiko heard me. She was talking on the phone and then she was talking to her reflection. I talked to her and she turned around looking for me. She heard me!" she cheered.
"I wonder what she'll look like!" Miki cheered.
"How do we know it's a girl. She a Fujisaki like Nagi. Her chara could be a guy," Kiseki said.
"Females don't crossdress in our tradition," Nagi pointed out.
"I bet she'll be pretty and really nice," El said.
"I hope she's cool," Il said.
"Me too," Jazlynn said.
"She'll probably like dancing since Nade is passionate about it too," Tympo said.
"Maybe she'll be similar to Temari," Cass said.
"Except she won't have a temper," Rhtyhm teased.
"Don't make me hurt you," Temari threatened with a murderous glare. Rhythm hid behind Kusukusu who giggled.
"What did she wish for?" I asked.
"I don't remember," she said.
"Nagihiko, I don't mean to crash the party but I don't think I'm feeling well," Nadeshiko said as she came out of the bathroom.
"You're fine Nade. I think we were pretty much done anyway. Make sure you have Baya check you over. You wouldn't want to get sick before the trip," Nagi said.
"You're right but I think I just need some rest. Don't worry about me," she said.
"Rima I can't walk you home then," Nagihiko said.
"It's fine. We'll take her home Nagi," Rei said.
"Go ahead. I feel like I take you away from her enough as it is," I said. He smiled at me and kissed my cheek. The twins then left.
"We're gonna have another chara in the group!" Yaya cheered.
"We don't know for sure but it seems like she just needs a push," Kairi said.
"We can do that," Kukai said.
"Too bad we don't know what her chara is like," Ikuto pointed out.
"We can always be more friendly than we already are. It's probably tough hanging in a group that you don't know very well," Amu said. I agreed with Amu. I don't like Lulu but at least Nade has a friend outside of them. I noticed Utau think hard. She must have some kind of plan in mind.
*Nagi's POV*
"Are you alright to walk home? Mother or Baya could pick us up," I said. I know that she heard Temari but she might actually be sick.
"No I'm not that bad," she said and smiled at me.
"It's been a long time since it was just you and me taking a walk," I said.
"I agree. We've been busy with this tour, your injury, and your friends," she said.
"Nadeshiko, they're your friends too. You don't have to act like I did as you," I said. She looked at me surprised.
"They know that I crossdress so you can act as you want around them. On this tour you can act as you want. I never performed in America so no one will know you," I said.
"Thank you," she said looking away from him.
"I know that both of us have been cursed with this stupid tradition-" She gasped at my remark.
"I know you hate it as much as I do. We were taught to not question it but what mother won't know won't hurt her," I said as I winked at her. She laughed lightly and nodded.
"You've changed a lot since we were children," she said.
"So have you," he said.
"I have?"
"I just offered to keep a secret from mother and you instantly agreed with me," he said. We smiled at each other.
"Brother, I want to give your friends another try. I feel like I'll like them and they'll accept the real me," she said.
"They will. I know that as a fact," I said. I offered my arm. She linked hers with mine. It was odd but we used to do it as small children. We talked about each character in the group and all the fun things about them.
Amu: Awww cute
Yaya: Kawaii!
Ikuto: that's cute?
Utau: Yes it it. I wish you and I had bonding moments like that
Ikuto: You used to chase me around. We aren't normal siblings
Utau: Touche
Temari: I got my own POV
Kusukusu: Utau, do you want to ask the question?
Utau: Sure! Question # 21. If Nade's chara hathced, what do you think he or she would be like? Daydreamer wants to know what you feel would be cool.
Daydreamer: That's right. I apologize for my irresponsible actions of not updating. The time went by fast. I'm working on the next chapter right after this one so I hope to get the next chapter out by tonight or tomorrow. Thanks for waiting!
Temari: Review please